The primary math program consists
largely of discovering the “why” and “how” of various mathematical principles
in a developmentally appropriate manner.
The students are introduced to each new concept through the manipulation
of math materials with which they solve various puzzles. Through this experimentation, they develop
problem-solving and thinking skills. By
participating in these concrete experiences, children come to an understanding
of math principles in a manner that is both enjoyable and developmentally
appropriate. It is only after grasping
these underlying principles that students begin to apply their knowledge to
paper and pencil tasks.
Our math studies
focus on a strong foundation of basic math skills in the areas of patterning,
classification/sorting, counting, number recognition and formation, place
value, addition, subtraction, geometry, measurement (including time and money),
fractions, graphing, story problems, and multiplication (for the older
students). Older students are encouraged
to work towards greater efficiency by memorizing simple arithmetic and
developing mental math skills.
Upper Level
Upper Level
Math and Language Arts in the
Upper Level grades are taught in two separate classes, with the specific grade
levels included in each determined by the skills and needs of the
students. Generally, divisions are made
between grades 4 through 6 and grades 6 through 8. Advanced eighth grade students
will study high school level Algebra and occasionally Geometry in smaller groups
with college students as Teaching Assistants.
At all levels, the math program is structured in distinct units,
allowing students to thoroughly understand a topic before integrating it with another area of study. The program
strikes a balance between the study of math concepts, rote practice, math games
to improve facility and speed, and practical application of skills to real
world problems.
In the first two years of the
Upper Level experience, math studies focus on a strong foundation of arithmetic
skills: base ten and place value, basic operations and computations with whole
numbers, fractions, decimals and percents, mental math, geometry, and practical
math applications such as measurement, elapsed time and statistics. With a thorough foundation in arithmetic,
students working at the sixth and seventh grade level and above, continue
mastering their fundamentals while also solving and graphing equations and
inequalities on a coordinate plane with integers, exponents and slope formula. Geometry includes the study of special right
triangles, trigonometric functions, volumes and surface areas. The basics of
probability and statistics are introduced as well.
